This week, I am very pleased to feature an interview with author and blogger Staci Troilo.
Staci is a very supportive blogger and an excellent author. I hope you enjoy learning more about her in this week’s interview.
If you are an author, and would like to be featured in my interview series, I have spots open beginning in mid-October. Please email me at don@donmassenzio.com and you can join the >200 authors that have been featured this far in my author directory.
Now, please enjoy this week’s interview with Staci Troilo:
Do you try more to be original or to deliver to readers what they want?
I know there are a lot of people who write to market. I’m not good at that. LitRPG is huge right now, and I don’t know enough about it to do the genre justice. Nor do I have the time to try. I believe the adage that every story has been told before, but it’s up to the writer to find a fresh take. So, in that sense, I think all writers try to be original. But basically, I write the stories that interest me from the ideas that grab me by the throat and won’t let go. Hopefully those things are original enough and interesting enough that readers want to read them as much as I want to write them.
If you could tell your younger writing self anything, what would it be?
Embrace marketing. Gone are the days where writers wrote and nothing else. We can’t be reclusive anymore. We need social media and speaking platforms. Sometimes I regret taking time for these things because they take time away from writing. But if we aren’t making an effort to interact with our readers, we won’t have any.
What’s your favorite under-appreciated novel?
Anything with the word “favorite” in it makes me nervous. How to pick one of anything when there are so many choices out there? My list is long and varied, mostly with indie authors and authors with smaller presses, and you can find my reviews of many of them on my blog. (I don’t want to state any by name because I’m sure I’ll forget some and I don’t want to hurt people because I excluded them.)
Do you read your book reviews? How do you deal with bad or good ones?
I do read them, though not as often as I used to. The good ones always warm my heart and reaffirm my decision to be a writer. The bad ones I carefully consider. Are the comments opinion or fact? If fact (for example, typos), I act the publisher to make changes. If opinion, I consider them. Sometimes I agree, sometimes I don’t. The ones I agree with I take seriously and make an effort to improve in future works (if possible, I’ll ask the publisher to revise those, too). The ones I don’t agree with I try to forget.
Do you hide any secrets in your books that only a few people will find?
I do. Mostly names (first or last, but never both together) of people I love to give them a little bit of immortality. The other things people would easily recognize, like places I’ve been or recipes I’ve made, so they’re not really “secrets” so much as me showing my appreciation of those things.
Do you Google yourself?
Occasionally I search for my name online. I want to be sure nothing negative comes up that would affect my brand. (Not that I do anything scandalous that would.) I usually find only my work and my social media posts there, but occasionally I find pirated copies of my stories. I used to be vigilant about requesting their removal from those sites, but I never had much success with that and I have neither the time nor the resources to sue all of those people. It’s a shame artists are being taken advantage of like that, though.
What is your favorite childhood book?
There’s that F-word again. I had a lot of favorites, and they changed with my age. Some, and I stress some, included The Poky Little Puppy, The Little Red Hen, Fox in Socks, The Velveteen Rabbit, nursery rhyme books, fairytales, Caddie Woodlawn, and the Trixie Belden books. (I read a lot.)
If you had to do something differently as a child or teenager to become a better writer as an adult, what would you do?
I wouldn’t major in writing in college. Sounds counter-productive, I know. But writing was always a strength of mine. I think with a little extra effort (and joining a critique group sooner), I would have learned the finer points of fiction writing without college classes. If I’d majored in one of my other interests instead (archaeology, architecture, medicine, law), I’d have much less research to do when I write my stories. I’m blessed that I have family members in many of my fields of interest, though, so what might require hours of legwork can be handled with a quick phone call or email.
How long on average does it take you to write a book?
In the last year or so, I’ve really amped up my writing speed. Now I average five thousand words a day. I’ve written over ten thousand when necessary to meet deadlines or when I really hit my groove. So I’m at the point now where, if I’m not editing for clients or working on marketing, I can complete a first draft in under a month (writing five days a week).
Staci’s Latest Book – Tortured Soul
Protection is safety. Until it stifles.
After months of clandestine battles, the Brothers of the Medici Protectorate finally know who is responsible for the assassination attempts on the Notaro family, the secret descendants of the Medici line. And they’ve never faced such a formidable foe.
Roberto Cozza–Coz–faces this new reality with surprising pragmatism. His powers may make the difference in winning their covert war–if only he can master them in time. It would just be so much easier if he could get his emotions under control, but neither his Brothers nor their charges are making things easy on him.
Toni Notaro appreciates the security provided by the Brothers, but she knows she has her own role to play–and it terrifies her. She is the missing link in Coz mastering his emerging abilities, yet she struggles to bridge the gap between what he needs and what she can offer.
As the Brotherhood hurtles inexorably toward the climactic final showdown, Coz and Toni must find the strength within themselves and each other to master the secrets of his powers, or risk death and defeat for all they hold dear.
Staci’s Bio and Links:
Staci Troilo writes because she has hundreds of stories in her head. She publishes because people told her she should share them. She’s a multi-genre author whose love for writing is only surpassed by her love for family and friends, and that relationship-centric focus is featured in her work.
Web | Blog | Tortured Soul Info | Medici Protectorate Info | Amazon Page | BookBub | Goodreads | Twitter | Other Social Media Links
Reblogged this on Legends of Windemere.
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Thanks for sharing this, Charles.
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Thank you, Charles. 🙂
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You’re welcome
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Pingback: The 2018 Interview Series featuring Staci Troilo | Legends of Windemere
Thanks for sharing this, Charles.
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Reblogged this on DSM Publications and commented:
Check out this interview with Staci Troilo as featured on my author blog.
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Reblogged this on Anna Dobritt — Author.
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Thank you, Anna. 🙂
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Pingback: Visiting Friends and Talking About Tortured Soul, Day 8 – Staci Troilo
Don, this is a lovely interview. Thank you for allowing us to get to know Staci better. I liked what she said about using names of people “to give them a little bit of immortality.” I’ve often done something similar. But with me it’s more of a way to let someone I knew (who has passed on) have a better shake at “life” than they actually got. Hugs to you both.
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That’s a lovely idea, Teagan. I can’t say any of my loved ones had horrific tragedies in their lives, but it might be nice to give them different endings.
Hugs back at ‘cha!
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Don, I really appreciate you having me here today. Thanks so much for opening your blog to me and letting me talk with you and your readers.
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Terrific interview, Staci, and it reminded me that we both read many of the same books as children. (I’ve read all four of the ones above, plus the entire Trixie Belden series.) It was fun learning more about you, too. Thanks for having Staci here today, Don. Good on both of ya! 🙂
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I can’t say I’m surprised to learn we share(d) reading interests. I owned all the Trixie Belden books through #35. I’m not sure how long the series got, but that was the last one I read. Not only did I enjoy the mysteries, I learned a lot from those books: first aid for snake bites, things about nature, information about the Navajo… It was a great series.
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Reblogged this on The Write Stuff and commented:
Check out Don Massenzio’s latest interview, this time featuring Staci Troilo. And be sure to take a look at Staci’s latest book, too. It’s very near the top of my TBR pile, for sure! Enjoy!
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Thanks for sharing, Marcia!
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What an interesting interview Don and Staci:) I didn’t know what LitRPG was so I looked it up and learned something new. I’m amazed and impressed how fast you write. Wow! I like to do the same thing hide a few things in my book for loved ones especially my husband. I always appreciate his response when he is reading…lol. I enjoyed this and learning more about you Staci. Have a great weekend.
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You hear about “writing to market” a lot, and LitRPG is a booming genre. But I couldn’t do it justice. Sorry I didn’t explain what it was.
It’s so nice that you hide things for loved ones, especially your husband. I’m sure his responses make the extra effort worth while.
Thanks for stopping by!
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I can’t write to the market either only from my heart. I should have known that term and now I do;)
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Wow, Staci, you blew me away with that 5,000 words per day statement. Amazing! Kudos to you. This was a most interesting interview. Thank you for sharing it, Don!
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Thanks, Jan. I’ve got a deadline right now, so I’ve been putting out a little more (6,500 – 7,500 words). I’m hoping today is the day I wrap everything up. I’ve got five scenes to go. Fingers crossed!
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Enjoyed learning more about you in Don’s interview, Staci! Sharing…
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Thank you, Bette!
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Really good keep up the good work Staci. I have to say I always find the marketing part quite difficult. Do you have any good tips?
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Thanks, Tom.
You know, I wish I did. Everything seems hit or miss these days. Some people swear by FB and Amazon ads, other people say the changing algorithms are making them ineffective. A BookBub ad is like the Holy Grail — impossible to get, but if you do, you’re in the money. Some people swear by blog tour companies, but I find it’s a repetitive message that gets lost in a sea of similar messages.
I’ve had the most success by creating my own tour when I launch a book. That requires me to have active friendships with kind and generous authors who will help me promote. (Like Don.) I don’t re-run the same post, but rather I give every host different content. It makes for a lot of work, but it also makes the posts more interesting.
Last, I’d say it’s really important to have your own website and to build your newsletter list. Those are the places where you own and control the content, and you know the people visiting are there because they’re interested in you and your work.
None of it is easy and there are no guarantees, but these are the things I’m attempting. Whatever method(s) you choose, I wish you much success!
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Good grief, Staci. I would die at 10,000 words a day. I have to admire your ability. Thanks, Don.
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It can be a brutal pace, but when the words are flowing, it’s not too bad. (And 10K isn’t the norm for me, anyway. It’s usually half that.) It’s a good thing I love what I do!
Thanks, John.
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It is a good thing, Staci.
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The Little Red Hen was a favorite of mine, too! Great learning more about my writer friends. Thanks, Don and Staci.
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Thanks, Jacquie!
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It amazes me how prolific Staci is as a writer. Not only is she a gifted teller of tales, but she’s a disciplined author as well. I Hope I can accomplish as much some day.
Excellent interview.
Cheers, you two!
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Wow. I’ve never been called prolific before. Probably not gifted or disciplined, either. You made my day, Mae. Thank you!
As for you accomplishing as much some day? I’m pretty sure you’ve already surpassed me. Your work is exemplary.
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Piff! You are far too kind, but I thank you anyway. And yes, you are prolific, gifted, and disciplined, my friend. Take a bow and live with it! 😀
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{blushing}
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Wonderful interview you two. I’m amazed, and a little jealous, at your output. Hope you get to relax soon and enjoy autumn.
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Thanks, Craig. I actually finished a draft of my WIP just a few minutes ago, so I can breathe a little easier. I know I’ll make my deadline. It’s looking like a great start to autumn!
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Go you!
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A fabulous interview with Staci, Don.
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Thank you!
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Great to learn more about you, Staci! I also read most of the Trixie Belden books. I so wanted to be like her!! I can’t imagine writing that many words at one sitting. Good for you. xo
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I loved that group of kids! I tried to get my daughter interested in those books, but she never took to them.
Thanks, Darlene.
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Nice interview, Staci! I’d forgotten about The Poky Little Puppy – loved that book. And I’m still envious of your word count.
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“Roly-poly, pell-mell, tumble-bumble!” My kids laugh because I still say that. Loved that book.
Thanks, Teri.
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Lovely interview, awe-inspiring work ethic and great to be reminded about The Little Red Hen! Two things I hadn’t come across before – LitRPG (I’ve googled it and I think I have a tentative grip on the concept now) and the Trixie Belden books. We didn’t have Belden’s books in the UK, or if we did I somehow missed them, but I’m sure I’d have enjoyed them. Thanks for an entertaining and informative start to my day!
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LitRPG is relatively new. I’m only familiar with it because I’ve edited that genre for a few clients. It’s booming right now, though. If I was a “write to market” kind of girl, I’d be all over it.
So sorry you didn’t get Trixie Belden books. They were really good. I’m glad I reminded you about the Little Red Hen! What a great story to teach kids responsibility. I know I read it to my kids.
Thanks for stopping by!
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I love Staci. She’s a gem! ❤️
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Aw. Thanks, Colleen. I feel the same about you. 🙂
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I love these interviews. Great job! ❤
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Thanks. Hugs! 🤗
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What a great interview, Staci and Don. “Embrace Marketing” made me both laugh and groan. Lol. But it’s a great attitude and a necessity these days. Most of all, I’m amazed at your productivity, Staci. I used to produce a first draft in a month, but it’s taking me a lot longer now (for a variety of reasons). Congrats on the latest book!
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Pingback: The 2018 Interview Series featuring Staci Troilo | Jemsbooks
Wonderful interview Staci and Don. 🙂
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